What Bird Dogs Do

While at the top of Corkscrew near Red Mountain, I was readying my camera with the 16-35. Meanwhile, Rica, my German Wirehaired Pointer, located a covey of white-tailed ptarmigan about 30 yards from the truck. I switched lenses to the 300 plus 1.4TC and we followed the covey at close range for about an hour as they fed and called to each other. Most shots were at about 10 yards.

Processing suggestions and preferences are welcome.
Nikon D90, 300mm f/4, 1.4TC, tripod.

#2

#3 Poofed. I gather the feather flaring was to attract a nearby female? He flared a couple of times.

#4

#5 Two toes?
Last one.

Wow, nice bonus here Doug....good doggie!!!

I had no idea there could be birds up there on top of Corkscrew. It just seems so barren.

Wonderful series on these great little birds. #s 2 and 5 are the standouts for me. You could crop more on both of these and really bring the attention in on them.

Killer set, Doug! I love the OOF colors with nice bokeh that are matched by the bird camo.

Wow, great images. I think I like that last one best as he seems to be giving you "the eye". Well done!

Great set, Doug! You even got a catchlight in their eyes. 'Developement' is pretty much spot on here.
#'s 2 & 5 are my favorites. You might consider 'losing' the odd looking (and colored) stick (?) to the right of the bird's gaze in #5.

What a beautiful bird! Good girl, Rica.

Nice captures! My dog has some english pointer in her and found me a ptarmigan pair while hiking down from Blue Lake Pass.

Thanks for the feedback. Their feather coloration is a great match to the rocky scree. I tried painting to tone down the rock's bright edge in #5, but will try cloning it out with the darker adjoining area.

#2 is my fav followed closely by #5, great series and what a treat to come across!

All of these are excellent Doug, that's all I can say.